Shotgun Stories is about the cyclical nature of violence. It centers around three brothers from Arkansas and the conflict they get themselves into. Violence has a way of escalating in unexpected ways until it spirals out of control. We see it in person, it is always in the news and it is portrayed very clearly in this film. The movie itself is slow-paced and methodical - but not in a detrimental way. The movie shows the way that violence can seem to almost randomly spring out of nowhere when doing something as simple as washing your car. The violence you encounter in life, however, is rarely random.
The acting is good, particularly by the lead Michael Shannon. It would have been easy for this movie to have just devolved into a Hatfield v. McCoy hillbilly shootout but the director and lead actor were able to portray a complex, if reserved character.
If you're looking for a movie to cheer you up, this isn't it. But, if you're in the mood to see some great acting and an interesting portrayal of tit-for-tat violence you might want to give this movie a try.
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The Standard 5:
Why is it in your queue? They showed a preview for it during some Indie movie I watched.
Is it artsy? The film has a definite message but I wouldn't call it artsy.
Best thing about the movie? Michael Shannon's acting.
What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Calm, reflective.
What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 stars.
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